OTTAWA - The Senators beat the best Friday night at the Canadian Tire Centre.

At least, Paul MacLean thinks so.

The Senators' coach told reporters he believes the defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks are the NHL's top team, but Ottawa put them in their place with a 5-3 victory.

Opening a five-game homestand, the Senators sent the 18,922 home happy by ending a 0-4-1 losing skid in Ottawa with their first win in the building since Feb. 6 against the Buffalo Sabres.

After opening up a 3-0 lead, the Senators were able to halt the Hawks from a comeback with 46 stops by Craig Anderson and goals from Clarke MacArthur, Kyle Turris, Milan Michalek, Cody Ceci and Erik Condra.

Only Patrick Sharp, Brent Seabrook and Marian Hossa were able to beat Anderson. The Senators needed third period heroics from Turris to make sure they secured the two points with Hawks' backup Antti Maanta in the net.